Larry wrote:
bpuharic wrote:
coming into dock today, the wind caught me and slammed me into a
piling...popped a few screws on the rail stanchion posts where they
hit the deck.

was thinking of just putting some wood into the holes, sealing them
with adhesive/sealant and replacing the screws.

any better methods? getting to the holes from under the deck is damn
near impossible

How big are the holes? Putting wood in them? - they must be huge. Post
a photo if you can, but I think you need some epoxy.


Filling and gluing in holes with wood dowel stock is old as the hills.
Dowel comes in hardwood and softwood in 1/8" to +2" stock.
I've even glued in toothpicks in a pinch.
Tim's suggestion to tap a suitable Marinetex filler will work.
But stanchions get stressed and are a safety concern.
I would drill new holes and epoxy in threaded inserts.
Non-expanding type.
Examples here.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#threaded-inserts/=8lwkxs
I'd use one the press-fit SS. Spiral looks good for this.
They go to 3/8" internal, which is probably a stronger bolt than you
have on the Tolly.
Are the old ones 1/4"?

Tape your drill bit to get the selected depth to set the insert flush
with deck.
Drill holes 1/16" oversize to allow for epoxy.
Test each hole depth by dropping in the insert dry.
Then epoxy the insert and tap in. Let the epoxy cure.
Dope up the bolts well with a hearty teflon paste.
For 3/8" 16tpi 18-8 stainless torque to 236 inch pounds.
If you're using different bolts, look here for the spec,
http://www.engineershandbook.com/Tables/torque3.htm

Don't even worry about wet vs dry torque.
Doesn't matter.
If you're competent with fasteners, you don't need a torque wrench for
this, but I don't know much about you - except that you seem to be a
middle-class type guy.
If the boat ever shakes the bolts loose replace the teflon with Loctite
Threadlocker Blue 242.

Put a light bead of silicone caulk around the outer edges of the
stanchion base before you bolt it in. Wipe away excess after the
stanchion is tight. Wipe ALL excess - it's not paintable
This is purely to seal salt away from the inserts.
Don't even think about using any 3M 42-5200.
The stanchion is held mechanically to the deck by the bolts/inserts.

You might find some inserts locally.
West Marine carries Fasco inserts. Cost way too much.
Give some thought to what you're doing and don't go off half-cocked.
Saves time in the end.

Jim - If you do the job, do it right. Your life might count on it.